Fast and Flavorful Chicken Curry (Print version)

A quick chicken curry with tender chicken, warm spices, coconut milk, and spinach, ready in about 30 minutes.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon curry powder
05 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

For the curry sauce

06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 2 tablespoons curry powder
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 can (13.5 oz or 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
14 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
15 - 3 cups (85 g) baby spinach
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
17 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Cooked basmati rice, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon curry powder until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the onion to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden.
04 - Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, cayenne, and tomato paste. Cook for 45-60 seconds until fragrant and slightly darker.
05 - Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
06 - Stir in the spinach until just wilted. Add lime juice and cilantro, then taste and adjust salt. Serve hot over rice.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot with rice or naan.
02 - Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
03 - For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 2-3 extra minutes before adding spinach.